Trademark Law Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Trademark Fundamentals
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Introduction to trademarks and source identification
- Distinctiveness requirements: generic, descriptive, suggestive, arbitrary, and fanciful marks
- Classification systems under the Nice Agreement
- Acquisition of trademark rights through use and registration
- Simulated USPTO trademark filing exercise
Module 2: Registration & Maintenance
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Preparing and filing a trademark application
- Analyzing acceptable specimens of use
- Responding to office actions and examiner objections
- Opposition proceedings and third-party challenges
- Renewal and post-registration maintenance requirements
Module 3: Enforcement & Litigation
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Elements of trademark infringement
- Likelihood of confusion analysis
- Dilution and tarnishment claims
- Remedies: injunctions, damages, and attorney fees
- Case studies: Louboutin v. Yves Saint Laurent, Apple Inc. v. Samsung
Module 4: Special Topics
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Domain name disputes and the UDRP process
- Trademark use in social media and influencer marketing
- Digital enforcement challenges and platform policies
- Introduction to the Madrid Protocol and international registration
Module 5: Fair Use, Parody & Defenses
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Descriptive and nominative fair use doctrines
- Parody and First Amendment protections
- Responding to cease-and-desist letters
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Conduct a trademark clearance search
- Draft a specimen submission and application for registration
- Write a response to a mock office action
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic legal concepts
- Understanding of U.S. common law principles
- Basic knowledge of business and branding practices
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Conduct a preliminary trademark search and assess registrability
- Prepare and file a trademark application with the USPTO
- Analyze potential infringement and dilution scenarios
- Apply fair use and parody defenses in trademark disputes
- Manage brand protection in digital environments